Albemarle Corp (ALB)vsAir Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)
ALB
Albemarle Corp
$181.39
+2.45%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $20.87B
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$290.09
+1.34%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $64.59B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 137% more annual revenue ($12.21B vs $5.14B). APD leads profitability with a -2.7% profit margin vs -9.9%. ALB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.14. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 42/100 (D).
ALB
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
APD
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.9% revenue growth
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 24.3%
Areas to Watch
Grey zone — moderate risk
Operating margin of 2.3%
ROE of -4.7% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 66.2%
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -1.7% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALB
The strongest argument for ALB centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.14 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : APD
The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : ALB
The primary concerns for ALB are Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALB profiles as a growth stock while APD is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
ALB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.48 — expect wider price swings.
ALB is growing revenue faster at 15.9% — sustainability is the question.
ALB generates stronger free cash flow (233M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ALB scores higher overall (42/100 vs 42/100) and 15.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Hold" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Albemarle Corp
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Albemarle Corporation is a fine chemical manufacturing company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. is an American international corporation whose principal business is selling gases and chemicals for industrial uses. Air Products' headquarters is in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
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